
Class _ 
Book*: 



GopigMI - 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 



American Dramatists Series 

THE GUIDING LIGHT 

PILGRIM TERCENTENARY PAGEANT 
PLAY IN FOUR EPISODES 



BY 

ANNE MARJORIE DAY 




BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



Copyright, 1921, by Anne Marjorie Day 
All Rights Reserved 






©CI.A653496 
JAN I J /922 

Made in the United States of America 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



n*« I 



TO 

MY MOTHER AND FATHER: 

My Mayflower heritage 



FOREWORD 

"The Guiding Light," enacted by students of the 
Classical High School at the Emery Theatre, scored 
a marked success before a large audience. . . . The 
large cast entered into the spirit of the piece with 
enthusiasm, recreating the scenes of the past with 
youthful earnestness and verve. — Providence Sun- 
day Journal, March 20, 1 92 1. 

Since dramatics has become an established and 
necessary factor in the vivid teaching of history and 
literature, "The Guiding Light" is of triple value 
for high school production through its added appeal 
to Americanism. For Americanism in its broadest 
sense champions those principles which should be the 
guiding light of the world. 

I was particularly impressed in rehearsing this 
play by the fervor with which the youthful actors 
portrayed the religious as well as the human element. 
Creed and nationality alike were forgotten. All 
seemed inspired, swept on by the amazingly tolerant 
Pilgrim spirit and almost mystic faith in divine 
guidance. 

5 



6 FOREWORD 

Whatever stirs such spiritual emotions in the 
American youth must surely make for the highest 
type of Americanism, even more — help to check the 
engulfing flood of materialism which has followed in 
the wake of the World War. 

Eva Holzner Hesse. 

Instructor of Dramatics, 

Classical and English High Schools, 

Providence, Rhode Island. 

September sixteenth, 1921. 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 

Prologue I 

By Witham's placid stream in Lincolnshire 
St. Botolph's tower points heavenward ; its light, 
A beacon to the North Sea mariner, 
Marks Old Boston, home port for many a ship — 
Historic name to us across the sea. 
St. Botolph's light! a sacred symbol held 
Aloft to shine to us adown the centuries, 
The guiding light betok'ning Freedom's sway 
Within the heart and soul of men who dared 
Make first-attempted flight from Old Boston, 
For King James, superstitious, weak, and vain, 
Had boasted he would harry from his realm 
All non-conformers, termed "that pack of pests." 
From Scrooby, Gainsborough, and Austerfield, 
They gathered, and in secret council set 
The day that they should sail for Holland's shore, 
Where they might worship God, from tyrant free. 
Of what we read befell that valiant band 
Of pioneers for sake of soul-freedom, 
9 



io THE GUIDING LIGHT 

List to the tale that follows. You shall hear 
How William Brewster, chief of all that flock, 
Was dragged to prison, sufFring greatest loss; 
Who once the keys of three Dutch fortresses 
Guarded, when he, a youth, to Holland went 
With England's envoy, there inspired by sight 
Of a brave people armed for Freedom's sake. 
And you shall also hear how young Bradford, 
Taught by the Elder Brewster, suffered ill — 
Bradford — destined to be the leader great 
Of God-inspired Republic 'cross the seas. 
Those two and others stood to be arraigned 
In Old Boston, behind the Guildhall bar, 
A part of which now stands in New Boston, 
An honored relic in its library. 



EPISODE I 

Behind the Bar, Guildhall in Old Boston, 1608 
(Two magistrates are sitting behind a desk in the 
Guildhall. They seem to he waiting for some- 
thing to happen — listening for sounds in the 
distance. Suddenly their pains are rewarded, 
for along the street, heralded with great "hue 
and cry,' come a band of men, under arrest. A 
mixed crowd of towns-people (blacksmith with 
his hammer, baker, butcher, etc., come into the 
court-room at one door, shouting, "The Separ- 
atists! Here come the Separatists!") (The 
Separatists come in at the opposite door.) 

Second Magistrate 

The Court will come to order ! 

(The magistrates arise from their seats, as if 
prepared to greet victims of the law. Two 
men, of that band of prisoners, are led for- 
ward first, the others being kept under 
guard. The constable whispers in the ear 
of the first magistrate, pointing to Brewster 
and Bradford, the leaders.) 
11 



12 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

First Magistrate 

We, as justices of the peace of this town of 
Boston in Lincolnshire, are empowered by the 
King and Lords in Council to take and arrest all 
those we may find guilty by indictment, or suspic- 
ion, and put in prison. In the first place, concern- 
ing the peace of our Lord the King and the viola- 
tion of the King's law: we issued a warrant to the 
constable and various other persons of this town, 
who should act as searchers "under the King," to 
arrest those non-conformers, who, we are informed, 
have not only kept private conventicles and exercise 
of religion, by law prohibited, but have dared 
break the law concerning the King's ports. All 
ports of our Lord the King's realm are closed, ex- 
cept to such as have license to depart. 

One named Brewster {motioning) go behind the 
bar. Your hand raised on oath. {Brewster 
raises his hand.) 

First Magistrate 

Your Christian name? 

Brewster 
William. 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 13 

First Magistrate 

In truth, William Brewster, as you have kept a 
posting-house, though forty miles distant, the news 
of you hath "travelled post." 

{Here a saucy boy in the crowd makes a clucking 
noise, as if urging on a horse, clicking his heels and 
pumping his arms, as if "riding post" and 
magistrate calls him to order. ) Order there ! 
{Annoyed, continues). At your manor-house at 
Scrooby, as well as in divers parts of the Kingdom, 
on Sundays and festival days, under pretence of 
repetition of sermons, you have violated the laws 
of church-conformity. Now you and your 
Separatist band have sought to take flight to Hol- 
land. 

Brewster 

{Quietly and with composure). Though we 
could not stay, yet were we not suffered to depart. 

{One of the crowd to another, wagging his head 
approvingly.) 

He seemeth to speak truly. Nor does he rail at 
the law, either. 

Brewster 

I know it is warrantable by the law of God, and 
I think by the law of the land, that I may stand on 



14 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

my just defence. The King's law of closed ports 
may be according to statute, but not according to 
right. We sought but secret and quiet passage 
from this port of Boston. When we had ourselves 
and goods aboard the ship, our Captain, whom we 
had hired at great expense, betrayed us, having be- 
forehand complotted with the searchers and other 
officers so to do; who took us and put us into open 
boats and there rifled and ransacked us, searching 
even to our shirts for money. Then they brought 
us into the town and made a spectacle (Some one 
from the crowd) ("A spectacle, ha, ha, truly so!") 
and wonderment to the multitude, which came 
flocking on all sides to behold us. 

(Blacksmith, emphasizing his remarks with a 
hammer) We did but make hue and cry, Sir 
Magistrate. Was it not our duty, according to the 
law, so to do? 

Brewster (continues) 

These catchpole officers have taken all our keep- 
sakes, books, and much other goods. 

First Magistrate 

They did only search in discharge of their legal 
duty, but for unlicensed books. It were better for 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 15 

you, sir, {rebukingly) that you call not the officers 
of the Crown "catchpoles." 

This youth Bradford {motioning for him to 
take his place on the dock), I am told hath made 
bold resistance, even to doing violence. {Here the 
corpulent constable rubs his arm, assuming a pain- 
ful look, to point the evidence of personal violence.) 

Woman {in the crowd) 

A handsome youth he is; I've never seen his like. 

One of the Crowd {a punster) 

Too fair, in truth, for prison fare. {Second 
Magistrate directs a stern look at the offender.) 

First Magistrate {continuing) 

'Twere better that young bloods busied them- 
selves about the King's business ; to keep the King's 
laws, rather than trespassing the law of the realm. 

Bradford: {In quiet self-defence) 

I am about my King's business. I am keeping 
the law of His realm. 

Punster 

There's peace for you already, Justice. These 
two B's do hum so quiet, thou shouldst call them 
quits. 



16 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

Second Magistrate 

To the stocks with the pert-tongued prater. 
{Second constable takes ouf offender.) 

First Magistrate 

{Motioning for other prisoners to go behind the 
bar) {speaking to Brewster). Thou, with all thy 
company, art committed to ward, to await orders 
from the Council Table. {Cries from the crowd 
of) "The cells!" "Rats!" "Vermins and vile 
odors!" 

Woman 

{Who had spoken before) : 'Twere a pity the 
comely youth should be smothered to death. 

First Magistrate 

{Summoning two young men from the crowd) 
Giles Fletcher and Stephen Oates, ride post to in- 
form the Lords of Council at London of the arrest 
of one William Brewster and his Separatist com- 
pany. 

Brewster 

{Speaking very quietly and impressively.) 
Though we could not stay, yet were we not suf- 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 17 

fered to depart. {The crowd, about to go, stop to 
listen, as if impelled.) {A pause, then he con- 
tinues.) And there dwelleth within a man a di- 
vine law, greater than the law of any land. 

{As he says this, a figure in white suddenly 
comes in and stands before them all — in 
white robes, wearing a halo of gold. She 
raises her hand and points heavenward, as 
Brewster speaks his last words. The court- 
room remains hushed, and the messengers, 
half-way out, stand as if halted by some 
power. The magistrates wear a guilty look, 
as if arraigned themselves. The prisoners' 
faces, before somewhat dejected, take on a 
transfigured look. The white apparition 
disappears, all looking toward it as it de- 
parts, with their faces turned toward it, 
even as the prisoners are led off to their cells, 
amid a great silence that prevails over the 
court-room, as if some divine Being's spell 
had been cast upon them.) 

Curtain 



PROLOGUE II 

They were imprisoned many times and balked 
In their attempts to reach the Holland shore, 
But still their Cause more famous grew and strong; 
For those who saw their godly carriage and 
Their Christian zeal were led to swell the band 
That reached at last the country of their hopes, 
Which welcomed all who sought for Freedom's 

boon. 
Adventure desperate it was, to seek 
A strange land, a new tongue speak, and leave 
Their country, trade, their friends, and private 

lands, 
For a new country, subject long to war. 
'Twas not with them as with most other men: 
They welcomed trial, toil severe, and change, 
For by them were they hardier made, to serve 
The purpose of the God who guided them. 
And though they saw Dutch cities fair and rich, 
Not long before the face of Poverty. 
All grim and grisly, came upon them like 
An armed man, who must be fought, not fled. 
Twelve years of sojourn they in Holland spent, 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 19 

Working at crafts to earn their daily bread. 

John Robinson, their pastor, taught his flock 

Three times a week in his own manor-house — 

A leader great in all affairs of life. 

Both he and Brewster, welcomed 'neath the shade 

Of Leyden's University, enjoyed 

The fame of scholars, skilled with pen and tongue, 

Learning the curse of bigot, schism, and sect, 

For all who piety professed could join 

Their church: French, Swiss, and Dutch and 

Lutheran. 
And so they lived and toiled, a foreign band 
Within a friendly city. But there came 
A time when those who had the vision clear 
Were led to seek again across the sea 
A New England, where Freedom could mount 

high 
And spread her wings in broad celestial space. 
The magistrates of Leyden spoke them well, 
As having had no suit against their band 
For those twelve years they sojourned in their 

midst. 
A glimpse of them in Leyden you shall have, 
With reasons why they sought a distant land. 



EPISODE II 

In Leyden, Summer of 1 619 
{In John Robinsons garden back of the manor- 
house on Bell Lane, overshadowed on one side 
by St. Peter s belfry , on the other, still nearer, by 
Leyden University. One can look out through 
the garden gate down to the end of the lane, 
where an arched stone bridge spans a canal. 
The garden is Dutch, gay with tulips; there are 
white walks of pounded shells. A rustic seat by 
the gate, a little fountain in the corner of the 
garden. Another rustic seat on opposite side.) 
{A Dutch maiden, Gretchen Van Fleet, rosy- 
cheeked and plump, is weeding the tulip bed on 
her knees, back to the audience, the soles of her 
wooden shoes much in evidence. Mercy Robin- 
son, the pastor's daughter, is watering the gar- 
den.) 

Mercy 

Gretchen, dear, wilt let me call thee my Holland 
tulip? Thou'rt so bright and gay; in thy dear self 
is all I love best here in my adopted country. 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 21 

Gretchen 

{Merrily.) And thou shalt be my little English 
daisy, Mercy. {Looking up from her weeding to 
throw Mercy a bright smile.) There, those bulbs 
were sent to my father from China. {Pointing to 
the tulip blossoms.) Dost like thy Dutch 
gardener? {spatting her hands clean of dirt). 

Mercy 

Yes, and my father, even if he is pastor of a flock 
of three hundred, just think! hath made a merry 
jingle about you. Wilt hear it? {Gretchen nods, 
expectantly.) 

"Our garden would be wretchen, 
If it weren't for our dear Gretchen." 

Gretchen 

{Laughs merrily, then suddenly becomes serious, 
goes to Mercy, and puts her arm around her.) So 
glad am I that thou and thy father will stay with 
us and not cross the sea to a distant land. ( They sit 
on bench). I am sad at heart to think that sweet 
Dorothy Bradford, the silent Captain Standish, who 
did help us fight the Spanish, and the noble young 
Winslow who hath so lately come among us, must 



22 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

leave our happy company. The Dutch and 
English do worship here in thy father's church 
(pointing to the house adjoining the garden) as 
one people. And the garden ! It seemeth a Para- 
dise to the children of Leyden. 

Mercy 

But Gretchen dear, the truce with Spain endeth 
soon — which meaneth that war may come. Then, 
too, the English King giveth us no peace. Thou 
knowest how he pursues us through his ambassa- 
dor (looking about her, as if afraid of being heard 
and speaking lower) ; how — only a few days ago, 
Patience Brewster's father was ordered by the king 
to be seized for vending books "underhand," as the 
King saith, in England; how the drunken sheriff 
arrested by mistake one Thomas Brewer, and how 
our dear elder had already made his escape in safety 
to London. Sh! Here cometh that ne'er-do-weel, 
Wrestling Brewster, now. 

Wrestling 

(Wrestling Brewster comes in, and throws him- 
self down on a rustic seat.) Ye may call me Wal- 
loon, or poltroon, or whatever ye will, fair maids, 
but let me maroon on this Holland shore. My 
good parents did me great wrong when they did 



THE GUIDING LIGHT , 23 

name me wrestling. I've been at it ever since I 
was born ! Now I must leave this pleasant city for 
a wilderness full of savages — dost know {here he 
lowers his voice impressively) that they are not 
only content to kill {flourishes his knife, to make 
more vivid), but delight to torment men alive 
with shells of fishes {here the two girls put fingers 
in their ears), cutting off men's joints — broiling 
them — making them eat their own collops — 
{Here Mercy Robinson rushes off into the house 
in terror, exclaiming) : "Thou art a poltroon, 
Wrestling Brewster, to make us weak maids to 
quake and tremble with the telling of thy terrible 
tales." 

{Gretchen also makes ready to depart, when 
Wrestling seeks to detain her.) 



) 



Wrestling 



Well I knew I could frighten her away — the 
timid little goose! {then seriously): Hast not one 
word for me, Gretchen Van Pleet, since I must so 
soon depart from thy country, that I now call 
mine ? 

Gretchen 

{Suddenly she turns about and faces him squarely, 
flushing with indignation.) Yes, one word I 



24 , THE GUIDING LIGHT 

have for thee: poltroon! Thou wouldst stay be- 
cause thou are not brave enough to wrestle like a 
man with danger. Thy sister Patience hath the 
courage of a martyr. She hath a soul made of pure 
fire. Thou art all tow — much show — then cometh a 
pother of smoke — {pretends to be choked with it) 
then piff — paff — {blows her fingers). {Scorn- 
fully.) Such as thou winnest neither my heart nor 
my head. {Walks away from him into the house, 
decided scorn in her step, just as Patience Brewster 
comes in the garden gdte. Patience catches sight 
of her and turns to her brother, zvith anger in her 
voice. ) 

Patience 

What hast thou done, Wrestling, to Gretchen 
Van Pleet ? {Rebukefully.) Wouldst thou be called 
Mr. Stay-at-home? {Coming nearer.) 'Twere a 
pity. {Aside.) But hear thou the truth; {speaking 
confidentially) that rare Dutch tulip will never 
bloom in thy ill-kept garden. {Pause.) {Her 
brother glares resentfully at her), {continues) 
And it is little wonder that thy father wisheth to 
get thee away from the corrupt company thou 
keepest here, playing cards and smoking the 
vile weed that maketh thee smell so stale. 
{With deeper feeling in her voice.) Thou art a 
shame to thy father, spending the guldens so 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 25 

freely now, when he did suffer in prison, robbed of 
his possessions, and toiled almost in vain that we 
might live, after seeking this new county. 

And I love this land as much as thou. (Her 
brother stands looking at her, as if her rebuke has 
made some impression upon him, but says nothing. 
She turns from him and looks toward St. Peter s 
belfrey, as if forgetting him in the tide of feeling 
that is sweeping over her.) How sweet to me 
soundeth St. Peter's bell! Oft do I stand on the 
stone bridge that spans the long canal. (She 
looks down the lane toward it.) Then do I follow 
the stream to the mill, where it joins the Rhine. 
Often the flowing stream, as I gaze upon it, 
(clasping her arms across her forehead) seemeth to 
carry me along its course — down, down to the 
ocean — on and on — (her face lights up). I feel a 
spark kindled within me — it groweth warmer and 
brighter, flooding me with light! (Her brother 
stands listening, zvith increasing wonderment, then, 
abashed, he steals out of the gate, leaving her stand- 
ing there, lost in rhapsody). 

The vision cometh from heaven. It meaneth the 
light of the Gospel goeth with me across the sea. 
It seemeth best not now; (regretfully) but later on. 
(As she says the last word, Pastor Robinson comes 
out from his house, where he has been standing on 
the steps, listening, and stands behind her. He lays 



26 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

his hand upon her head, and says) : "My child, the 
Lord hath more truth and light yet to break forth 
out of His holy Word." 

A figure in white suddenly appears in the garden, 
slowly lifting her arm heavenward. Patience and 
Pastor Robinson, feeling her presence, turn toward 
the Being — with faces transfigured by the Presence. 



PROLOGUE III 

From Delftshaven, 'mid tears and prayers of those 
Who watched them go, they sailed to England's 

shore. 
'Twas Pilgrims now they knew themselves to be, 
And though they left a goodly, pleasant land, 
They lifted up their eyes to heav'n above, 
Their deaxest country — whence came peace to them. 
At length, with friends, from Plymouth they set 

forth; 
Their little bark, the Mayflower, braved the 

storms. 
Amost a miracle it was : the ship 
For sixty-seven days battled the gales, 
When daybreak brought the welcome call, "Land, 

ho!"— 
The land of which they'd dreamed for three long 

years. 
Within the cabin of that little ship 
A compact of self-government was signed: 
Beginning of a Free Republic, first 
In all the world — its charter, Liberty. 
Exploring parties from the ship sought place 
27 



28 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

By nature suited for their needs. 

The rock on which at last they chose to land 

May now be called New England's stepping-stone, 

The shrine made sacred by the Pilgrim faith. 

New Plymouth town, the work of busy hands, 

Was builded gradually, until at last 

The first New England Street, Leyden, along 

Town Brook from harbor-front to Fort Hill ran: 

Two rows of houses — nineteen families — 

Whose numbers sadly shrunken were by life 

On shipboard eight long months from Holland's 

port. 
And graves of those who died from pestilence 
Must leveled be and sown with grain, lest their 
Dread Indian foe should learn that only half 
Their band was left. Though Samoset, Mon- 

hegan chief, 
Had friendly been, two savages appeared 
On Watson's Hill and dared the whites to fight, 
By whetting arrows and snapping taut bowstrings. 
But Massasoit, grand sachem of all 
The tribes of Pokanoket, monarch great 
And wise, came with his warriors, seeking peace. 
Do now behold that Indian treaty made. 



EPISODE III 

{Treaty ivith Massasoit) 

New Plymouth, April, 1621. {Bright spring day.) 

{At the beat of the drum, the leading men of the 
Colony assemble to march to the Common 
House for a meeting about matters of im- 
portance. Three walk abreast, led by the ser- 
geant. At the sound of the trumpet, they enter 
in military step. Governor Carver walks be- 
hind, Elder Brewster at his right, Capt. Standish 
at his left, with side-arms and carrying a cane. 
Bradford, Allerton, and Winslow walk behind 
them, followed by two musketeers. They halt 
in front of the Common House, to convene out- 
side, as it is a pleasant spring day ; each sets down 
his arms near him. It is about noon.) 

Gov. Carver 

Three times now hath our public business been 
interrupted by savages, who have made their ap- 
pearance on Watson's Hill above us. Lest we be 
29 



3 o THE GUIDING LIGHT 

foreslowed as formerly, let us each at once speak 
freely, and take counsel on certain military and law 
matters, with some others. {Folds arms.) Touch- 
ing the new lands that we enjoy, we found the 
place where we live empty. But if any of the sav- 
ages pretend right of inheritance to any lands, we 
shall endeavor to purchase their title, that we may 
avoid the least scruple of intrusion. Particularly 
must we publish among us, and let it be known 
among the natives, that no wrong nor injury shall 
be offered them. 

A second matter remaineth to us. Concerning 
our taking of the corn that we found buried in the 
earth, when we were set out to see what the land 
and its inhabitants were — 

Stephen Hopkins 

(Laughing.) Master Carver, lest our New Ply- 
mouth harbour be called Thieves' Harbour, like that 
which lies over against us, do not forget the big 
kettle that we also took, which we did fill with 
corn, two men bringing it away on a staff. 

Carver 

(Smiling.) As soon as we can meet with any 
of the inhabitants of that place, we shall make them 
large satisfaction. 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 31 

Standish 

{Slightly on the offensive.) Our governor 
surety belfeveth the penalty for thieving worketh 
both ways. As for the tools that Frances Cook and 
I left behind while being at work in the woods, 
they were taken away by the savages. Should we 
not right ourselves? {Touching his sword with his 
hand. ) 

Carver 

As thou knowest, we willed the Monhegan Chief, 
Samoset, when he did first visit us, that the tools 
should be brought again; and that he did four days 
ago, when thou wert away. Tisquantum! {Point- 
ing towards brook.) {As he is speaking Samoset' s 
name, that Indian and Tisquantum appear be- 
fore them, leaving bows and arrows behind. Hands 
raised in greeting. They bring a few skins and 
some dried red herrings.) 

Tisquantum 

{Pointing toward Watsons Hill. ) Great Sachem 
Massasoit come soon — with brother Quadequina 
and their men. Great chief ask for — send man. 
Know governor — what wish. 



32 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

(All look at each other, somewhat in doubt, 
somewhat in fear* during a tense silence. 
The Indians stand motionless, yet quietly 
expectant of having their request granted.) 

Carver 

(Looking about his Coitncil, as if choosing some 
one to go. Finally his eyes rest on Winslow.) 
Master Winslow, thou shalt be our messenger. Do 
thou take gifts, both for the chief and his brother 
Quadequina. And thou shalt say to the Sachem 
Massasoit that his Majesty, King James of Eng- 
land, saluteth him with words of love and peace, 
and would esteem him and his people as his friend 
and ally; also that Governor Carver of this New 
Plymouth Colony desireth to see him, to truck 
with him, and to confirm a peace with him as his 
next neighbor. To Massasoit give thou this pair 
of knives and copper chain with a jewel in it. To 
Quadequina shalt thou give a knife, and a jewel to 
hang in his ear. ( The two Indians show their ap- 
proval of the gifts by handling them with grins of 
delight.) 

SAMOSET 

Massasoit — he get chain? 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 33 

TlSQUANTUM 

Quadequina, he get fire-stone. 

( Winslow also takes with him a pot of strong 
water, a quantity of biscuit, and some but- 
ter. He wears armor and side-arms). 

Winslow 

(As he is about to depart, with a low, courtly 
bow.) Master Carver, the danger which attendeth 
this errand of peace to the great chief Massasoit 
maketh me proud to be thy emissary. (Amid in- 
tense silence all eyes follow Winslow as he departs 
on his dangerous errand, crossing the Brook and 
then ascending Watson s Hill. At last Hopkins 
breaks the silence.) 

Hopkins 

Master Winslow's noble birth maketh him a 
diplomat. I make no doubt of his safe return. 
(Spoken in a tone of strong assurance.) (Then 
smiling.) And of a certainty, could he show his 
skill at shooting game afar off, then would the In- 
dians make peace with him and his people forever, 
(pausing, then roguishly) unless Capt. Standish 
disputeth with him of the skill wherewith he shot 
that eagle of wondrous size. (Standish, inclined to 
be sober, smiles.) 



34 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

{Carver seems deeply preoccupied after Wins- 
low's first words.) 

Bradford 

Thou shouldst make mention of me, Master Hop- 
kins, when thou speakest of game. Dost remember 
how I was healed by Surgeon Fuller when my leg 
was caught in a deer-trap set by Indians? (All 
except Governor Carver, are interested in these 
incidents connected with their first exploring 
parties. Carver turns down stage, walking bach 
and forth.) 

Hopkins 

That was surely a harmless looking little sapling 
over which thou didst fall. Thou wast tripped 
more easily than a timid little deer ! (All laugh 
heartily at the remembrance.) 

Bradford 

What about thyself, Master Hopkins? Dost re- 
member how thy musket flew to pieces when thou 
gavest fire to a whale, half a musket-shot from the 
ship? But when the whale saw her time, she did 
give a snuff, and away she went. (All join in a 
laugh which peters out rather nervously when they 
catch the look on Carver s face.) 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 35 

Carver 

Truly thy nonsense bridgeth over for us {still 
walking back and forth in a disturbed manner) the 
time for parley with the Indian monarch. But un- 
der thy cloak of merrymaking thou must know how 
weighty a matter Master Winslow is sent to nego- 
tiate. If Massasoit become our ally, then will peace 
be assured for us with all the tribes, from Narra- 
gansett Bay to Cape Cod. {With a sweeping 
gesture. ) 

Carver 

Here cometh the chief, Massasoit! 

{Winslow being left as a hostage with Quade- 
quina, Massasoit is seen coming over the 
Brook with eight or ten Indians, all of 
whom leave their bows and arrows behind 
them. At the sound of the trumpet, Cap- 
tain Standish and Master Allerton go to 
meet the king at the Brook, escorted by two 
musketeers. Salutations {raised hand) are 
exchanged. Five Indians are taken as hos- 
tages and guarded by two musketeers. Stand- 
ish and Allerton escort Massasoit to the 
Common House, from which Gov. Carver, 
led by drum and trumpet, with Sergeant 
following, comes forward to give greeting. 



36 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

The Governor kisses Massasoifs hand. 
Massasoit kisses the Governor s hand, then] 
the Governor leads Massasoit to his place 
of honor before the Common House, where 
a green rug and four cushions are placed. 
Carver directs Hopkins to get fresh meat 
and strong water. Massasoit eats and 
drinks, treating his followers. Massasoit is 
interested in the trumpet. His followers 
succeed in making a noise on it, to his de- 
light. He also examines Standish's armor 
and sword, making signs that he would like 
to purchase them for himself.) 

TlSQUANTUM 

{Stepping before the Governor and pointing to 
the hill whence they came.) Master Winslow — he 
stay with Quadequina — hostage. 

{Through Tisguantum as interpreter a parley 
takes place. Massasoit all the while trem- 
bles as he stands by Carver. After the par- 
ley, Carver goes to a table and sits down, 
with Massasoit by his side, Tisquantum 
standing behind the Chief. At this point 
Samoset goes out for the peace pipe. Carver 
writes down the results of the parley, them 
returns to the group.) 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 37 

Carver 

And this shall be the treaty: 

TREATY 

i. That neither he nor any of his people shall 
do hurt to any of our people. 

2. And if any of his do hurt to any of ours, 
he shall send the offender, that we may punish him. 

3. That if any of our tools are taken away, 
when our people are at work, he shall cause them 
to be restored; and if ours do harm to any of his, 
we will do the like to them. 

4. If any do unjustly war against him, we will 
aid him ; if any do war against us, he shall aid us. 

5. He will send to his neighbors confederates to 
certify them of this, that they may not wrong us, 
but may be likewise comprised in the conditions of 
peace. 

6. That when his men come to us, they shall 
leave their bows and arrows behind them; as we 
should do our pieces, when we come to them. 

Lastly, that doing this, King James will esteem 
him as his friend and ally. 

{The provisions of the treaty are then inter- 
preted, and the chief approves by gravely 
nodding. His followers applaud by grunting. 



38 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

Pilgrims clap. Samoset comes in with peace 
pipe. Massasoit wears a great chain of bone 
beads about his neck. Behind his neck hangs 
a little bag of tobacco, from which he treats 
the Pilgrims } lighting their pipes from his. 
They all in turn take a puff.) 

Elder Brewster 

{Turning to Bradford and speaking with quiet 
distinctness.) To us the savages could not come; 
our land was full. To them we came; their land 
was empty. {As he speaks, Massasoit rises to go.) 
{Continues) We daily pray for their conversion, but 
now that we have confirmed a peace with them 
there cometh to our assistance God's extraordinary 
work from Heaven. While he is speaking the In- 
dians seem to gather the seriousness of his utterance, 
and gradually all eyes are fixed on him as he stands 
in their midst. Suddenly, at his last words, there ap- 
pears before them a figure in white, wearing a halo 
of gold and pointing heavenward. All gaze upon 
it with awe. All faces slowly take on the light of 
wonderment. As if under a compelling influence, 
the musketeers slowly lay down their arms. Then 
Massasoit, reaching into his bosom, slowly draws 
out a long knife and slowly places it on the floor. 
The apparition disappears. During an impressive 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 39 

silence the Governor conducts Massasoit to the 
Brook, whefe they embrace each other, then part. 
Samoset and Tisquantum remain. Massasoit has 
left his knife on the ground.) 

Standish 

{hooking at the weapons grounded, but picking 
up the long knife and gazing at it. He measures off 
his words with military precision.) There - seem- 
eth - now - another - way - beside - war - to - right - 
our - wrongs. 

[Curtain.] 



EPISODE IV. (The Spring of Hope) 

{At the Town Brook) 
New Plymouth, May 3, 162 1 

{Constance Hopkins and Remember Allerton are 
bringing a basket of clean clothes from Town 
Brook, where they have just washed them. Re- 
member walks with lagging step and has a sulleri 
look on her face; Constance has a lilting step, 
almost dancing along. They set down basket.) 

Constance 

{Coming forward and speaking in a tone of spon- 
taneous joy.) The clock hath struck spring! For 
every bird singeth a fresh note, and the air hath in 
it a delicate incense. {Stooping to smell of the 
clean clothes.) Why, Remember, even the Town 
Brook runneth extra fresh, for see how sweet it 
hath cleansed our linen for us! {But Remember 
refuses to whiff the freshness of the clothes. Both 
sit down on the new greensward of the bank.) 
40 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 41 

Remember 

{Complainingly .) It were well that something 
in this heathen wilderness should smell sweet and 
clean. Dost recall how loathsome it was those 
eight months on the ship — three months of waiting 
near the shore, when still we could not land? 
Would that I were back in Leyden ! I would have 
a spring in Holland, where gardens of gay tulips 
bloom. 

Constance 

But here wilt thou find, as I did this morning, 
in the wood {pointing) a mayflower {here she holds 
it up for Remember to smell of, and Remember 
merely makes a show of doing so), of the pinkness 
of daybreak in hue. {Puts in Remember s button- 
hole.) The flower beareth the very name of the 
little ship that brought us hither to the land of the 
mayflowers ! 

Remember 

{Forlornly to herself.) And I did beg my father 
that I might return with the ship last month. That 
which was my last hope is crushed. {To Con- 
stance.) How canst thou think of flowers, after 
this winter so full of woe! {Soberly counting off 



42 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

on her finejers.) First, our Dorothy Bradford 
drowneth in the harbour, before we reach shore; 
then two wolves attack Master Goodman, and he 
frosteth his feet; John Howland falleth overboard 
and is rescued by a boat-hook; then cometh the ter- 
rible pestilence, that taketh all but half our com- 
pany; now our good Governor Carver hath died of 
sunstroke; and always Indians, Indians, always In- 
dians, Indians to strike terror to our hearts — day 
and night. 

Constance 

Thy ringers count not fair. Mistress Allerton, 
dost forget that the treaty just formed with Massa- 
soit keepeth us safe? 

Remember 

Dost remember any treaty that was ever kept 
forever ? 

Constance 

There is a belief within me that faith will help 
keep good things keep. 

Remember 

My faith sojourneth in Holland, from which it 
hath never traveled. ( Turning her face toward the 
harbor, from which the Mayflower had sailed.) 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 43 

Constance 

(Seriously , gently taking her hand.) Poor child ! 
Thou dost feel so badly. I pity thee. (Half-laugh- 
ing.) I cannot tell whether thy soul needeth Sur- 
geon Fuller or Elder Brewster. Here cometh Sam- 
uel now! (Here they catch sight of John Howland 
and Samuel Fuller, who have just returned from 
hunting, each with a wild duck in his hand and gun, 
over shoulder.) 

Remember 

My stomach crieth out against wild duck and fish 
and deer-meat and peas and beans — always peas 
and beans. I would like a taste of Dutch cheese, 
and good Frau Van Pleet's plum tarts. 

John 

Thou needest not eat this wild duck, Mistress 
Allerton. It is not wild enough for thy untamed 
spirit. As for peas and beans, we have twenty acres 
of corn and six of barley in our spring planting. 

Constance 

And it hath been full of good luck for us that 
Tisquantum dwelleth here at Plymouth now. For 
he knoweth well the ways of planting. The In- 



44 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

dians always put in their corn, he saith, when the 
leaves of the white oak are as big as the ear of a 
mouse. {Indicating the size with her little finger.) 

Samuel 

Thou art a ready pupil for Indian lore, Mistress 
Hopkins. Thou mayest teach me, if thou wilt. 

John 

Elizabeth Tilly consenteth to teach me how to 
weave, if I will gather her wild strawberries every 
day, when yonder hill groweth red with them. 

Samuel 

{Playfully.) Wilt take thy pay also in berries, 
Mistress Constance? {Constance nods, laughingly.) 

Remember 

Perhaps I too could join in thy merry humour, if 
my name would only let me forget. Wrestling 
Brewster — Remember Allerton — each name hath 
proved a curse instead of a blessing. 

John and Samuel 
{Together.) But the name Constance? 
{Waiting intently for her reply.) 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 45 

Remember 

{Her sullen face taking on a sad look; speaking 
in a softened tone.) That name is written on my 
heart. {Suddenly, appealing to each in turn.) 
Dost thou not remember — or were there too many? 
The pestilence maketh me remember that it hath 
taken off my mother. 

{Here the figure of Black Pestilence glides 
across the stage behind Remember. The 
others shudder and shrink back, but Remem- 
ber does not see it. As if forgetting the 
others, she stands apart, overwhelmed by a 
sudden burst of grief. She clasps her hands 
as if in prayer, and looking upward ex- 
claims) : 
Oh mother mine, thou must have meant, when 
thou namest me, that I should make into a blessing 
that which seemeth to be a curse — and remember 
hope — always remember that there is hope! {Con- 
stance, John, and Samuel rush to her with sympa- 
thetic impulse.) 

Constance 

{Putting her arm about her.) Thou hast taught 
us who> flouted thee that we should Remember, and 
not be thoughtless of what thou and others have 
suffered. 



46 THE GUIDING LIGHT 

Remember 
{With a little sigh of dawning happiness.') Al- 
ready it seemeth to me that my homesickness grow- 
eth less. {Then impulsively turning to Constance 
and taking her hand.) And thou hast shown me 
by thy sympathy how wrong it was to despair. Now 
I shall remember to hope. 

HOWLAND 

{Exclaiming excitedly.) See who cometh across 
the ford! Visitors from Pokanoket! 

{Tisquantum and Indian youths and maidens 
cross the Brook, bringing gifts: bright pot- 
tery, dainty wooden bowl, shell basket, 
eagles' claws, and skins. Bradford and 
Standish, who come in at opposite side, apart 
from them, look upon the scene with smiling 
faces of approval.) 

Bradford 
Peace-offerings from Pokanoket! {After the 
gifts are examined and admired, the Indian youths 
and maidens execute a dance on the green bank by 
the brook, to the delight of the Pilgrim boys and 
girls, who applaud them as they finish, falling 
exhausted on the bank. Tisquantum then presents 
to each of the Pilgrim boys a bow and arrow, with 
which they prepare to practice. Samuel sets up a 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 47 

tarffet. At length Bradford turns to Standish, 
touching the Captain s sword.) When thou didst 
pick up Massasoit's long knife from the floor, thou 
didst utter a truth; thou saidst: "There seemeth 
now some other way beside war to right wrongs." 
Now peace prevaileth in the very air about us. 
Last month when the Mayflower set sail for Eng- 
land, not one of our company did seek to return. 
Now when one considereth these marvelous things, 
it seemeth part of the Pilgrim Faith to believe 
that after a winter of despair there always cometh 
a spring of hope. {Pause.) And because of the 
Guiding Light that has shone upon us from Heaven 
above, this shall be our covenant: To walk in all 
His ways made known, and to be made known — 
forever. 

{As he is speaking, a white-robed figure ap- 
pears before them. The youths and maidens 
turn from their gifts and target-shooting to 
behold the apparition, then slowly walk to- 
ward it, their arms outstretched as if drawn 
by the seraphic spirit of the Being, who 
points heavenward, then disappears.) 

[Curtain.] 
{As the curtain goes up again, they stand still, 
with arms outstretched.) 
[Curtain.] 



EPILOGUE 

On Bedloe's Isle in New York Harbor stands 

The Statue of Liberty, which bears on high 

A mammoth torch that pointeth heavenward, 

A beacon to the ocean-going ships. 

The light of liberty! a sacred symbol held 

Aloft to shine to all adown the centuries, 

The guiding light betok'ning Freedom's sway 

Within a Free Republic, founded strong 

By brave-souled Pilgrims, stoics of a faith 

That was to them always a guiding light. 

The white-robed figure now becomes transformed- 

Colossal spirit of a faith sublime: 

America, who Freedom's torch of light 

Holds forth to all the world's remotest parts, 

Kindled by unquenched fire of Pilgrim faith. 

(Pause) 

Behold the Guiding Light of all the World ! 



FINALE 

{As curtain goes up all characters in the play are 
grouped about the Guiding Spirit, who is now the 
Goddess of Liberty, with upfaised torch. Tableau 
for ten seconds, then all break forth into a song 
in honor of the Goddess.) 

SONG TO THE PILGRIMS 

Music by G. W. Warren 

Out of the North there came a holy band, 
Eastward they sailed, led on by heav'nly hand ; 
Then to the western wilderness they went, 
Flooding with Freedom's light its firmament. 

In Northern skies there shines a mystic light, 
Then comes the dawn, that puts an end to night; 
Far to the West there glows a sunset-strand: 
Glory Sublime! encircling all the land. 

America, Great Western Land of might, 
Raise high the torch of Freedom's holy light ; 
Flash round the earth a band of sacred flame : 
Unbroken halo to the Pilgrim name. 



ACCOMPANYING MUSIC 

Overture : 

Father of Victory L. Ganne 

Venetian Summer Night Moszkowski 

Songs Without Words, No. 27 ... . Mendelssohn 

Prologue I 

Episode I 

"Lovely Appear" Gounod's "Redemption" 

(Melody played each time the Guiding Spirit 
appears) 

Tarentelle Heller 

Serenade Moszkowski 

Prologue II 

Episode II 

An Egyptian Love Dance Pryor 

Prologue III 

Episode III 

In the Gipsy Camp Behr 

50 



THE GUIDING LIGHT 51 

Episode IV 
Indian Dance: A Legend of the Plains. . . .Cadman 

Finale 

Song: To the Pilgrims G. W. Warren 

(Words by Miss Day) 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 

111 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 
(724) 779-2111 



